FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Sandi and Ken, July 2011

I was reading through lots of LDS quotes focusing on family, and my favorite is still "Families are Forever." That gets you through challenges along the way to "forever" for sure. This summer was my favorite summer of all time because my family all came together in Utah. Cousins meeting cousins for the first time, siblings hugging siblings for the first time in six year in some cases, and it was beautiful. Thank you to cute Lesa for arranging family pictures in a beautiful setting there in Bountiful, Utah. I still remember sitting there looking at all of the children and their families dressed alike - yellow, green, blue - and realizing how blessed I am to have been given these beautiful children and grandchildren in this life to raise and love. What joy they have brought me. 

Joshua, Chris, Angela, David, Ben, Sandi, Ken

The last picture I have hanging here in my office on the wall has all of my children with one married - Ben with wife Cooper holding baby Adelaide. That's how long it's been since we all got together for pictures - officially, other than for weddings. But most of the wedding pictures are missing someone, that's why these pictures are so special to me. Even my mom was there, so I had to have a couple of pictures taken with her and her great grandchildren. At 83, this picture will be cherished by all those in the picture.

Grandma Clayton and her Great Grandchildren

I'm not sure how to align these side-by-side. I need Cooper to do that. Cooper coordinated the color schemes and it worked beautifully. It's so wonderful having a family artist around who can bring her expertise into everything, including keeping my Burgess Biz website looking sharp. Thanks Cooper!

Generational Photo :-)

July 2011 will be treasured in our thoughts, our communications with all of the children's incredible family blogs, which I love reading. And now these special pictures. I posted a few on Facebook and my friends loved them. I think many live vicariously through me with my children and grandchildren. Missing in action...new baby boy Beckham Christopher Burgess. But I blogged on him in the previous post. Maybe next summer we'll do this again? Hope so. We just have to get Ben and Cooper to drive out again from State College, PA. Long drive, but so worth it to be together as a family. 

All Five Kids, Four Spouses, 15 Grandkids!

Uncle David!

Our 15 fabulous grandkids!

Grandchildren are Perfect!

Grandma Burgess and baby Beckham

Ask any grandparent and they will tell you that there's nothing better than grandchildren. No question that we adore our children, but grandchildren are beyond perfect in every way. As soon as the car door opens when visiting one of my children's homes, out runs the grandchildren yelling at the top of their voices, "grandma, grandma, grandma!" This is followed by knock-the-wind-out-of-you body slams of hugs, kisses and giggles. And it's impossible to ever scold these adorable little angels, even when fingerprints seem to appear everywhere and on everything after they come to visit, or how many paper doll and puzzle pieces are later discovered hiding under cushions, couches and cabinets. "Oh that's where that piece disappeared to." With smiles, once they have left, we remember the snuggles, and with a little sadness, we realize our home is just too quiet and uncluttered without them around.

Siri's "1st" birthday, August 28, 2011

On July 28th I was on my way to celebrate Siri's 1st birthday and to attend the Burgess Bash (reunion) in Alpine, Utah on the 30th. As I arrived at the Long Beach airport I received several text messages from my son, Chris, telling me that his wife Lesa was in the hospital in labor. I was surprised because she wasn't due until August 9th and the doctor was inducing her on August 3rd. For this reason I had even extended my visit through August 5th so I could see the new baby. By the time I landed in Salt Lake City, Lesa had delivered a beautiful baby boy - Beckham Christopher Burgess at 8 lbs 3 ounces! How exciting for Grandma Burgess (me) to arrive on the day of the birth. I was thrilled. What a blessing to be there to hold that new baby boy who had just left the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Beckham Christopher Burgess

Years ago a single friend of mine who lives in New York as a conductor (of Peter Pan on Broadway with Sandy Duncan), made a candid comment to me about my children. She said, "you are surrounded by lots of little love pillows." She had just come to visit me in California and witnessed my "little love pillows" (as she called them) as all of my children came running to the car as I drove up yelling "mom, mom", followed by hugs, kisses and lots of excited chattering. And now with this last visit to Utah, I thought of my children when they were young, and now with a smile, I'm seeing the same love, hugs, kisses and excited chattering from my grandchildren. It's pure joy, the kind of joy that lasts forever in our hearts. I love these moments. They make life worth living, and we, as parents and grandparents, realize this is what life is really all about.

As I was leaving my last visit at Chris and Lesa's home in Bountiful, the girls said, "grandma come see Beckham. He looks like a caterpillar!" Of course, I had to check this out. So, I quietly walked into the room and there was handsome Beckham tightly snuggled up in his receiving blanket asleep. Yes, he did look like a catepillar all bundled, but an angelic caterpillar at that. I miss him already. There's nothing like that new baby smell, and watching every little thing they do as they grow and develop. The funny scrunched up faces they make, their first smile, giggle, and gurgle. Every moment is, and should be treasured. I loved watching my babies grow and develop, and now I am blessed to watch their children grow and develop. I love the precious moments I get to visit them, and am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ where we know that families are forever and ever and ever.

Kelli Jo (7), Beckham (1 week) , Ava (2) , Chris, Zoey (5)

FINALLY ALL TOGETHER PART 2

I love that my daughters-in-law all took pictures of our family at the cabin, and posted them to their family blogs. I just go in and swipe them. This picture to the left is a first. Here is the beautiful screened in porch that overlooks the Weber river in the backyard. Usually this porch is set up with a ping pong table and a few 100 year old chairs. I feel, although beautiful, it doesn't get the use it should and could be sealed in, creating two more bedrooms that are desperately needed with our growing families. So (and I think this is a first), we made full use of it with aerobeds for those that had no place to sleep. Kids were in the loft on air mattresses and sleeping bags, all three bedrooms were being used, so here is the ultimate "sleep over!" Ashleigh and Joshua brought the best aerobed I've ever seen. Instead of the usual uncomfortable version, they had borrowed a deluxe model that was as comfortable as a real bed. Love to purchase a few of those and store them somewhere (maybe my moms basement in Utah?) The only challenge? It does get very cold at night. There is still snow on those Wasatch mountains!

To the right is a view from one of the beds. There is nothing more beautiful on earth. With having been blessed to travel extensively with various Network Marketing company Trips-of-a-Lifetime, and Chris' basketball trips, I've seen gorgeous places.  My fav? Besides Sydney, Australia --- definitely Pines Ranch, Utah where my families 100 year old cabin sits. Above and to the left, baby girl Siri supports herself on one of the memories at the cabin - the chairs. I remember as a little girl when my grandmother Clayton painted this chair green to match the beautiful trees. This chair has been in the cabin, out on the lawn, in the backyard, and now stays in - out of the elements - in the screen-in patio. Forever a memory. Generations have sat on that little chair.

Grandpa Burgess teaching how it's done.

Nolan, age 9 using his Scouting skills.

Chopping and collecting wood is a
requirement, necessity, and also a memory of cabin living. Each family must leave the cabin clean, and fully stocked with wood for the next family. Here is Ken showing the grand kids how it's done to the left. Nolan is using those Scouting skills to chop wood like the big boys. Most of the morning was grandpa's helpers carrying the wood after being chopped from the chopping area to the cabin, and to the fire pit for the bonfire. I will ask my mom to send me a copy of a picture where I was doing the same thing with my grandpa Clayton. I was about their same age. Again - memories :-) xo

Jane, Oliver and Zoey helping grandpa Burgess with wood.

Speaking of cabin memories, my mom came everyday we were there. She would drive up first thing in the morning from Centerville, Utah (about 1 1/2 hours away). There was no room at the inn...since Ken and i had her bedroom occupied (best bed in the cabin). She just wanted to be a part of the historic moment when my family was all together. She sat outside and watched with tears and memories. She feels my dad there at the cabin. He died nearly ten years ago, but helped build various parts of the cabin. He loved to fly fish, and was very good at it. It relaxed him. He didn't care that it lacked brand new furniture, better flooring, better insulation or better access to the bathroom (have to go outside to the porch, then to the added indoor bathroom.) He loved it there. I can still picture him walking up the meadow with a couple of sticks and bag full of freshly caught trout. He always was whistling and smiled from ear to ear letting us know how many fish he had caught that day. He was such a quiet, loving man with an incredible sense of humor. His little jokes were softly spoken, but always made me laugh. He never once raised his voice to me. And only one time gave me a swat when I was sixteen and had been talking back to my mom (as teenagers tend to do.) And in the evening he would light a huge fire inside the cabin and sit a read and study the scriptures and books about the gospel. Such a sensitive, good man. He never said an unkind thing to anyone. I miss him. A picture of him in full fishing gear is framed above he and my moms bed in the cabin. I hope to get a copy of that to post for my children.

Well, as they say, that's a rap here. I've tried to document our experiences through words and pictures. Impossible to describe the feelings we all share about the trip, and the beauty of the cabin's surroundings. But, it is special to all of us. And I know my kids will remember this trip fondly, and stay in touch with each other. That is an easier task with texting, Skype, email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Our lives are open books!

FINALLY ALL TOGETHER

Joshua, Christopher, Angela, David, Benjamin at the cabin.

Fifteen Grandkids!

I was waiting for Eddie's pictures and video's of our family vacation to post, but after reading Cooper's three posts this afternoon (with tears in my eyes), I had to begin the process. My dream of having all of my five children and fifteen grandchildren all in one place at the same time finally happened July, 2011. It was noisy, hot, messy at times, but heavenly. I loved it. Finally all together. Grandkids that hadn't met each other, not only met but played together, roasted marshmallows together, cried, laughed and got dirtier than anyone can imagine, fell off that old seesaw and fought over the swings . But, again, it was heaven to me just having them finally all together.

Ken with some of the grandkids getting  ready for roasting.

Families are forever and having them together was magical. Yes, my children are a bit sarcastic with each other, but they adore each other and always support one another, no matter what. I love that and know there is nothing they wouldn't do for each other. Some new to the family may not realize that with their constant joking, that they are just having fun, and they are, and it makes me smile, even as I write this post. That's what makes a family unique and special - the different personalities, but same eternal family goals.

Adelaide (11) roasting a strawberry?

Pictured above is the famous little walkover step ladder that goes from our cabin yard to the meadow. I remember sitting on this ladder (recently repaired by my thoughtful brother, Kim ) as a little girl, then again as a teenager, a college student and an expecting, pregnant young mother. I would sit there and often just think about things, ponder the future, and visualize my future family there enjoying the gorgeous surroundings. I love this cabin and I know my children do to. Granted, there are only three bedrooms, a loft for laying out sleeping bags, a kitchen, front room and screened in porch overlooking the Weber rivers, but oh so many memories.

Nothing better than hot dogs, chips, potato salad and smores.

I used to bring the kids up by  myself, and we'd wade in the river, skim rocks, fish, swim in the water holes, (after numbing our entire body from the frigid water) hike, take walks to the spring at night and to the gate during the day to open it for arriving guests, ride the river on inner tubes, roast marshmallows, both inside the cabin and outside in front of the firepit, sit in front of a roaring bonfire at night, and always play many competitive rounds of the games Sorry, Monopoly and Chinese Checkers.

Roasting, bonding, loving.

We've discussed wanting to plow down our side of the cabin and rebuild something larger, newer, more comfortable. But, according to my cousin, Ellen, the county considers it an historical site. So, the now shoe shack, storage area is still standing, which was the original cabin. And the rest has had lots of add-on's and repairs, but it is a century old and will remain like it is forever, I think. The couches change with one wearing out and others brought in from various families redecorating their homes. But the rocking chairs are still the same, dining table in tack just as it was when my dad helped build it, and the window sills have a different coat of paint (although someone must have closed their eyes when painting since it's all over the glass!), but the spirit of love, memories and family warm your heart and take you back to a simpler time and place. I remember studying for exams there - junior high, high school, college. I remember sewing maternity clothes there when I was pregnant with Angela. I remember sorting through sad times there, and having them turn from sadness to happiness. The cabin does that to you. And finally...my family was all together at last, and I loved it!

Uncle David

Kelli Jo (top), Chamberlain, David, Zoey

 "Families are Forever" is our life motto here at the Burgess home. If anyone has taken a peek at previous posts, you'll know that I miss my kids terribly, and tend to sing "All By Myself" a little too frequently. So, it's a good thing I'm biz-buried and swamped with voice students, ward choir, and editing the next musical production we're doing in November. So, taking my son, Chris', advice of "mom, quit being sad," I'm focusing on catching up blogging, journaling and trying to write a life history, among other worthwhile things. 

Chamberlain and David

Yes, the house is too quiet and clean, and all of the kids are gone, all but one are married and having children of their own. And that one is my youngest, David. David is also a professional basketball player now living in Utah working out with his brother, Chris, awaiting his next contract. And from the outside David seems quiet, impatient, maybe a bit unfriendly, until you see him with his nieces and nephews. An entirely new David appears, all smiles and hugs. 

David and Jacquelynn

As soon as David walks into a room where any of the fifteen grand kids are playing, they all stop and scream, "uncle David!" He is then attached, climbed on, kissed, and they just can't seem to get enough of him. He's a kid magnet,and it's fun to watch. David's rough exterior (especially when he's sporting a beard) is softened with smiles, hugs and lots of love. He takes time to explain the secrets of a game on his iPhone to Chamberlain, and doesn't get mad when he's whipped at bowling on Wii. He doesn't get upset with Brooklyn hanging on his leg as he tries to walk to the couch from the front door. 

David and Sutton

Kelli Jo and David

He smiles when Jacquelynn is telling him, in detail, all about the bugs she saw outside, with just a quiet, "really?" And he is patient with the mess, the sticky fingerprints, the roll of toilet paper in his bathroom toilet. The kids all adore uncle David, and he them. 

Hanging with Kelli Jo

David & Chamberlain

And that's what families are all about - patience, love, support and kindness. Watching all of this makes me smile, makes me proud (the fulfilling mother-grandma-kind), and it warms my heart. Focusing on these memories truly keeps life on track. 

David and Siri

We'll finally all be together as a family, five grown children, four spouses, and fifteen grandchildren, in Utah in two weeks. It will be noisy. It will be chaotic. And, of course, it will be messy. We'll be constantly cleaning up after the kids, as they charge through the room, we'll go through more food than planned on, and we'll feel a bit out of control. But, I will love it and probably get very emotional. I always do. It will be fun to see if David actually gets a break surrounded by all of the kids when we get together. He may not need to do his daily workout. His arms will be too tired from throwing kids in the air, carrying them on his shoulders, dragging them around as they cling to his legs, and jump on him when he's trying to nap. We'll see.  Going to be fun!

David and Adelaide and Calvin

Matching Dresses

Joshlyn, Sutton, Jacquelynn, Madison, Brooklyn

Look at these darling pink Easter dresses I found for Angela's girls this year. I love it when I find matching dresses. Chris has three little girls, Angela four. And every once in awhile, when I do my Costco run, I always check to see if they have four dresses in sizes 7, 5, 3, and 2. If they do, I grab them immediately.

There's nothing better for grandma than buying matching fun clothes for her grandkids. Or, for that matter, buying anything for the grandkids. Any grandma will tell you that her children, on a scale of 1-10 are a 10. Grandkids on that same scale are 100! They can do no wrong, and we are always conscious of their favorite colors, favorite cartoon characters, super hero's and favorite foods. It's what we do, as they say.

When I visit Ben and his family in Pennsylvania, I know to look for Batman clothing for Calvin, Ariel for Jane, Superman for Ben, pirates for Nolan, and love taking Adelaide shopping at Justice for Girls in the mall. Soon I will know what to get Oliver who is just two. As long as I bring a few toys, I'm good with the grandkids - and pj's. Chris' girls love anything Jordan (wonder why?) and Kelly Jo likes Cinderella, Zoey likes Care Bear, and, like Oliver, I'm not yet sure what Ava likes (she was born the same time as Oliver). Josh's cute Chamberlain likes anything Cougar blue. Or as he calls them, Cougs! Funny. And he will only wear basketball shorts - like all of the time - to bed, when he wakes up, and if he could .. to church. Love it!

Nolan

It's amazing how different all fifteen of the grandchildren are. Each one holds a special place in my heart. I love being with them, and of course, wish they lived close by so I could watch them grow up (see previous post about Burgess Blvd). Adelaide (now 11) has the sweetest, kindest, loving heart. Every time she sees me, she wants to snuggle and will do anything for anyone. And she is the best big sister her siblings could ever ask for! Anyone is lucky to know Adelaide. Nolan is very serious about everything.(Picture above shows him analyzing a crab.) It makes me smile. He thinks through things, and often takes life a little too seriously. But when I'm with him, I am drawn to him and enjoy having long, serious conversations with him about life.

Calvin

Jane

Calvin has that spark of enthusiasm that is contagious. He loves life, has tons of friends, and does everything with gusto! He is so much fun to be around. I remember when he realized that I was grandma "Burgess" (vs. grandma Johansen), and that he was also a "Burgess". He was very excited about that. He seems to be the athlete in the family, and calls me when he wins his baseball games. Jane looks just like her daddy, and a lot like me as a little girl. She makes me smile. She didn't know me a couple of visits ago so I sent her a framed picture of Grandma and Grandpa Burgess. This last trip there to PA she came to me with the picture and had been sleeping with it and was so thrilled to match up the picture to the real face. Warmed my heart. Oliver is a big time boy who giggles and reminds me of Bam Bam from the Flintstones. My favorite thing on this last trip was watching him carry a huge Costco plastic bottle of animal cookies (that was as big as him) from the pantry to the table. It was delightful!

Zoey, Kelli Jo, Ava

Looking at Chris' beautiful girls I think about the times I've traveled across the world to Australia, Korea, Turkey, Puerto rico, and Dubai, and they were so excited to have me there. There is always a handmade sign that welcomes grandma on the door, and they love showing me projects that they've worked on. I have tons of pictures of us doing projects together, from snowflakes, sugar cookies, puzzles, reading, coloring to riding to the top of the tallest building in the world in Dubai. Kelli Jo was telling me all about it, including how her stomach felt riding in that elevator. Darling girls that I adore being with.

Josh's little Siri is so precious and looks so much like her daddy. His Chamberlain has such enthusiasm for everything. He is either 100% at full speed or suddenly out like a lark. So adorable. I have loved having him stay here at the house when they come visit. He sleeps in the pop up tent in my office with, of course, his Cougar blue blanket. He knows I went to the U of U (colors are red) and said, as I tucked him into the tent with the Cougar blue blanket, "so grandma..are you going to love the Cougs, instead of the Utes?" 

Chamberlain

Our Disneyland trip was such a joy this year. Very special to have Josh and his family, Ken and I, and Angela's family. One of the most fun days I have ever had. I've never seen Disneyland like that. We even were there for the parade and saw Tinker-belle fly across the park! I bought the traditional Mickey Mouse ears for Chamberlain, and as I was having it embroidered Chamberlain said, "what about the girls?" He then handed the check out cashier a handful of Minnie Mouse ears (5 to be exact @ $20 each). I said, "I think they already have them, but thank you. Very thoughtful, Chamberlain."

Oliver

All fifteen grandchildren are fantastic. I miss them. And this summer, for the first time ever, all of my five grown children, their spouses, and fifteen grandchildren will be together in Utah. (Maybe sixteen with Chris and Lesa having a baby boy due in August!) We will go to the Clayton family cabin above Park City, Utah, and it will be chaos and pure bliss for grandma. The kids will get dirty, probably fight, we'll play Monopoly (I will win or cheat trying), wade and fish in the cold Weber river, and it will be an awesome time, and I will take a ridiculous amount of pictures, and of course, share them here on the blog and Facebook. It is, after all, what grandma's do best, along with brag about our incredible kids!

MISSING MY GRANDKIDS

Ken and I just turned 60 years old this year. 30 years ago on my birthday, we had moved from Orem, Utah to beautiful, sunny California. We had Ben, Angela, Chris and Joshua in Utah. After moving to California, we had Jessica and David. All of our kids considered themselves "California kids", or so I thought. Who knew all of my kids would move away from California? And who knew most of them would move back to Utah?

I remember watching an Oprah show one day when "empty nest syndrome" hit me like most moms when their kids leave,. I was a little emotional and, of course, sad. Then i tuned into her show on this very subject -  "empty nest syndrome." We all sat there crying, me in my office in California - and the guests there on Oprah's set. Kind of silly. But empty nest is a real thing. 

You look so forward to having those beautiful children as soon as you get married. Even with performing as a major operatic soloist in Utah, I always wanted to be married and have lots of children. I anticipated every birth. As a mom you get those children through their "terrible two's", see them go off the school, watch them get blessed, baptized, confirmed, receive the Priesthood as young men, and awards as young women, then support them with all of their sports, piano lessons, music projects, and help them with school projects, spelling bee's, school exams, science fair projects, make costumes for Halloween, etc. You stay up all night with them when they are sick, clean up their messes, wash loads and loads of smelly sports clothing, decorate the house to nine's for holidays, cook for four days for Thanksgiving, make a different cookie all month of December, decorated for birthday parties, drive them everywhere, and the list goes on and on. Memories are made daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. You laugh with them, cry with them, hold them, snuggle them, and suddenly they leave for missions, college, get married and start having children of their own. But you do always hope that they live close by so you can continue being a big part of their lives, and the lives of their wonderful children.

At this writing, Ben and his wife, Cooper, live in the State College area of PA with five beautiful children. Chris and wife, Lesa, live in Utah (and all over the world with pro basketball) with their three beautiful girls. Josh and wife, Ashleigh live in Utah where Josh is finishing up at BYU, with two children. But I was OK because I had my daughter, Angela, her husband, Eddie and their five fabulous girls here - within 5 minutes of my home! But that all changed last week. They moved to Utah. And although I'm thrilled that Eddie got a great new job, and happy they found a 5 bedroom home with a big yard, I'm a little sad. You see, when I needed my weekly "grandma fix," I could have Angela bring her girls over so we could play paper dolls, Barbie's, animals, puzzles, set up the pop-up tent next to my desk, feed the ducks from the deck, along with the turtles, walk scooter around the lake ... just be together.

I do miss them very much. I miss their fingerprints everywhere. I miss them dropping things into the lake off the deck. I miss them breaking things. I miss them getting into my makeup. I miss them spilling Scooter's dog food all over my floors as they were feeding the Coy fish. I miss them dragging Scooter all over the house. I miss them belting out "Tomorrow!" at the top of their voices, competing with each other. I miss them combing my hair into strange tangled styles. I miss them rummaging through my purse looking for gum. I miss it all. They were my personal "snuggles" that I needed during every week to give me a much needed break from biz. They balanced my life with working non stop.

So, to keep on a positive note, I'm thankful for the special time I had with them. I'm also thankful for Skype, cell phones, computers, any communication tool I have access to in this wonderful day and age where I can see and talk to them. And, I'm thankful for the time we did spend together, and wish I had taken more days off to just "hang" with them. But, as I've adapted key phrases over the years to keep me always moving foward, "onward and upward", "it is what it is," "next!" and it's "all good." And I do look foward to adding more road trips to Utah and PA this year to see them all. Maybe we need to relocate. Who knows?